Busoga sugarcane outgrowers have lauded President Museveni for establishing a National Sugar Council to determine sugarcane prices in Uganda, saying it addresses long-standing concerns in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Kakira Sugarcane Outgrowers Association, David Christopher Mombwe said the sugar sector had previously been unregulated, with millers setting prices independently.
He praised the president’s signing of the Sugarcane Bill on May 30, 2025, which mandates that prices now fall under the authority of the Sugar Council rather than individual millers.
“The composition of the council includes four outgrowers, three millers, and government representation through three permanent secretaries,” Mombwe said.
He also raised concerns about insecurity along certain routes, where sugarcane growers face attacks while returning home.
Hajj Faruk Kirunda urged President Museveni to meet with sugarcane outgrowers to address key challenges, noting the need for permanent solutions to sector issues.
He said the council was formed specifically to identify and address growers’ concerns.
Faruk condemned attacks targeting sugarcane growers, particularly incidents where robbers steal their money while traveling from banks.
He pledged to engage security agencies to investigate and identify the groups responsible for terrorising sugarcane dealers.
He also encouraged growers to support President Museveni in the 2026 elections, citing the president’s direct engagement with the sector and his understanding of the challenges affecting sugarcane producers.
Kirunda suggested that the president provide authority to translate the Sugarcane Amendment Act for wider understanding, adding that the council is tasked with ensuring the law is observed.
